TRX Suspension Training Reviews

About TRX Suspension Training

Founded by former Navy Seal Randy Hetrick, TRX Suspension Training is claimed to be a highly portable training tool that leverages gravity and your body weight as resistance, giving you the ability to perform hundreds of different exercises. And by allowing you to quickly transition between strength, flexibility, and metabolic training exercises, TRX Suspension Training is claimed to get your heart rate up and to give you an intense, total body workout in as little as 30 minutes.

In today’s marketplace, exercise gimmicks are a dime a dozen. But does TRX Suspension Training fall into this category, or can it really help you perform your best using fast, effective, and powerful workouts?

How TRX Suspension Training Claims to Work

Used by elite professional athletes, top personal trainers, and all branches of the U.S. military, TRX Suspension Training is claimed to give you the ability to perform over 300 different exercises that burn calories and build total body strength, including a rock-solid core, increased muscle endurance and flexibility, and improved performance.

In order to accomplish this, The TRX Suspension Training system consists of two adjustable, high quality and durable nylon straps that attach to a center anchor point, with handles on both ends. Because you can anchor the TRX straps almost anywhere, whether at home on a door or in the ceiling, or outside on a tree or any other anchor point sturdy enough to hold your body weight, the Suspension Training system is claimed to give you the flexibility to work out wherever you go.

When compared to other exercise devices, the TRX Suspension Training system is claimed to put you in control of how much you want to challenge yourself. This is because you’ll use gravity and your own body weight, so you can adjust your body position to instantly change your resistance level, which allows you to achieve a balanced workout for all your muscle groups.

TRX Suspension Training is claimed to deliver a fast, effective, total-body workout for all men and women, from pro athletes to seniors, regardless of fitness level.

TRX Suspension Training Pricing & Refund Policy

TRX Suspension Trainers are available in 3 different models:

TRX Home: $199.95 – Includes the suspension trainer, anchor, workout guide, and 6 bonus workouts. Works at home and on the go.

Whether you’re purchasing a Suspension Training System, a workout or exercise video, apparel, or accessories, all TRX products (with the exception of downloadable videos) come with a 30-day satisfaction guarantee and a one-year limited replacement warranty for defects in materials or manufacturing.

In order to initiate the refund process or to file a warranty claim, you’ll need to contact TRX Suspension Training customer service at 888-878-5348.

What Do Other Consumers Have to Say About TRX Suspension Training?

Manufactured by Fitness Anywhere, Inc. based out of San Francisco, CA, TRX Training Suspension systems appear to have a primarily positive online reputation, with some common compliments referencing effectiveness, ease of use, portability, high-quality materials, and wide range of exercises.

However, this isn’t to say that every customer had the same experience with TRX Suspension Training. Some of the most common complaints cite that it requires a lot of floor space to effectively use, and that its price is very high for what you get.

Can TRX Suspension Training Help You Achieve a Total-Body Workout?

You could be forgiven for thinking that $150 (or more) is an awful lot of money to pay for a couple nylon straps, but it might be worthwhile if the TRX Suspension Training system can really help you achieve a total-body workout in as little as 30 minutes. With this said, is the TRX Suspension Training system worth the money, or is it just another exercise gimmick that will sit unused in your closet a month from now? Consider the following:

Suspension Training Concerns

Suspension training has become increasingly popular over the last few years, with more and more classes at local gyms springing up each week. And overall, it appears that most people who’ve attended a suspension training class have enjoyed it, and felt that they got a good workout in the process. This can also give you the ability to try a suspension training class (although not necessarily using TRX products) at your local gym, which can help you discern if you enjoy it before making a purchase.

However, suspension training may not be for everyone. According to a NY Times article from 2007, “It might be valuable for well-conditioned athletes and gymgoers who regularly train their core, the muscles closest to their spine. But at best it is inappropriate for people who haven’t built up their core and at worst is potentially dangerous for them.” One professor of kinesiology in the article was also quoted as saying, “I see potential for muscular, skeletal and joint injuries. Particularly hyperextension of wrists, elbows, shoulders, ankles and knees.”

In order to avoid injury when using the TRX Suspension Training system, several customers recommended that you start slowly and focus on proper posture. In addition, you’ll also want to make sure that your anchor point is sturdy enough to support your body weight and then some, since you’ll be putting a fair amount of resistance on the straps.

Admittedly, all exercises come with some level of risk, so you’ll definitely want to talk with your doctor before beginning any new exercise program.

Counterfeit or Not?

During our research, we read that there appears to be a problem with counterfeit products being sold under the TRX Suspension Training name, which can be avoided by purchasing directly from the manufacturer.

However, we also read several reviews from customers who claimed that they attempted to sell their TRX Training Suspension system online, and the company flagged their postings for containing counterfeit products. It appears that in order to avoid this, you’ll have to contact the company beforehand and prove that it is a legitimate product, usually by sending in receipts.

Consider All Your Options

Next, keep in mind that many competitors sell products similar to the TRX Training Suspension system, but for half the price, although they may not necessarily be of the same quality. Furthermore, there are numerous DIY instructions online for making your own suspension training system for as little as $15.

Calling All Recalls

Finally, there have been a couple instances of recalls for TRX Suspension Training systems.

First, a voluntary recall occurred in October 2012 that involved “older model “Professional” (P1) and “Tactical” (T1)TRX Suspension Trainer devices manufactured between January 2006 and July 2007,” due to “570 reports of the strap length-adjustment buckles breaking with 82 reports of the user falling, including 13 reports of head, face, shoulder and hip injuries.”

While this issue appears to have been addressed, TRX Suspension Training issued another recall in March 2014 related to their Dip and Hammer Bars, due to problems with “The welds on the bars, [which] can crack or break and cause the user to fall, posing a risk of injury.

Bottom line:

Just like most other exercise programs, you’ll only get as much out of TRX Suspension Training as you put in to it. With this in mind though, it appears that the majority of customers have been pleased with their purchase and the results they achieved using the system.